When Lush reunited in 2015, Emma Anderson worked on songs for a new album but then the band once again fizzled away. Instead, she uses those songs for her first solo album that was produced by James Chapman who in his own music goes by the name Maps. “Bend the Round” is one of the first singles and has a bit of a spy noir sound before muted handclaps in the second first give it lift. “The Presence” is a peppy song those verses have crisp drum beats before an ocean of guitars hit on the chorus.
A Ronettes drum beat and organ like keys, gives “I Was Miles Away” a 60s feel while the acoustic lead “Willow and Mallow” has a psychedelic folk sound courtesy of Richard Oakes who appears on several tracks. One of the most memorable moments is on “Clusters” where Anderson sings about “all the pretty boys, all the pretty girls”. In some spots, Anderson’s voice floats high and in other parts it’s grounded and plaintive. This is not life changing stuff, but it’s mature indie rock for those who used to have music badges on their school bags. Sometimes drifting away while staring up at the stars is a good thing.
7.5/10
The Light Appears 
Thanks for sharing your review. I love this line of yours, “This is not life changing stuff, but it’s mature indie rock for those who used to have music badges on their school bags.” 10/10
And thanks for introducing me to the song. I liked it.